What are the definitions of “run with”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Keep company, normally bad.
She RUNS WITH some dodgy characters.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “run with”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb run with is to associate or spend time with a group of people, often with a negative connotation. It implies that the person is involved with a group that may have a bad reputation or engage in questionable activities.
What are the different verb forms of “run with”?
| Root Verb | run with |
| Third Person Singular Present | runs with |
| Present Participle | running with |
| Simple Past | ran with |
| Past Participle | run with |
Example
He runs with a group of troublemakers.
Example
She runs with some questionable people.
Example
He is running with a bad crowd these days.
Example
She ran with a group of delinquents in high school.
Example
He has run with some shady characters in the past.
What kind of phrasal verb is “run with”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“run with” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
She runs with a group of troublemakers.
Example
He runs with some questionable people.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“run with” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She runs with a group of troublemakers.
Example
He runs with some questionable people.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “run with”?
Good things to know
Does “run with” have an informal or formal tone?
Run with is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use alternative phrases such as 'associate with' or 'spend time with' to convey the same meaning.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “run with”?
Synonyms
- associate with
- spend time with
- hang out with
- mingle with
- fraternize with
- socialize with
Antonyms
- avoid
- shun
- disassociate
- estrange
- detach
- distance oneself
